Black, white and green tea all come from the same plant, the Camellia Sinensis. Yet there are major differences in taste, smell, color and health benefits. The process that the leaves undergo after picking determines what kind of tea it becomes.
Are you looking for a sleeping tea, do you drink a bag to promote your digestion or are you looking for a tea that supports your healthy lifestyle? There is a type of tea for every problem, which is why I have listed the most important types of tea and the associated proven health benefits for you.
Green tea
If you are looking for a healthy tea on the internet, you will probably end up with green tea. Green tea is one of the most well-known healthy teas, this type is not fermented and therefore retains its green color.
The purest form of green tea is matcha. Matcha powder contains ground tea leaves, you drink the tea leaf completely and therefore you get all the healthy substances. Matcha contains 137 times more antioxidants than green tea. If you are looking for a tea that supports your healthy lifestyle, matcha is the ideal choice .
The main health benefits of green tea
- Green tea is packed with antioxidants. These substances fight free radicals, which are small harmful particles that can be responsible for many diseases.
- This type of tea lowers bad LDL cholesterol and reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease.
- It promotes your metabolism, so green tea is good if you want to lose weight.
- Matcha gives you an energy boost, so it's good to start your morning with one cup.
Black tea
Unlike green tea, black tea completely oxidizes the tea leaves. This process creates the dark, black color.
Black tea is one of the most consumed teas in the world. This tea originates from China, but nowadays it is grown in different areas. The taste and smell is stronger and it contains more caffeine, making it a good alternative to coffee. Replace your daily cup of coffee with a cup of black tea and discover the many health benefits!
The health benefits of black tea
- Black tea contains a high dose of flavonoids, which are a group of antioxidants. These substances ensure that the heart remains healthy and in top condition.
- In addition, black tea stimulates concentration due to the caffeine present.
- Black tea gives energy but also lowers stress levels because it contains L-theanine, a substance that calms you down. This amino acid increases alpha activity in the brain, resulting in increased alertness.
- Just like green tea, this type of tea lowers bad LDL cholesterol.
White tea
We read much less about white tea than green or black tea. Is this less healthy? Absolutely not!
Research shows that white tea is really super healthy. Why? Only the youngest shoots of the plant are used for this type of tea. The tea leaves of white tea undergo little processing and therefore the healthy substances are preserved.
White tea is a subtle tea with a soft, floral taste. This makes this tea suitable for both novice tea drinkers and experts. Because of that subtle taste, many people like to drink this tea in the warmer spring and summer months.
White tea health benefits
- This type of tea does not discolor the teeth, if you drink a lot of green or black tea you can suffer from this. In addition, white tea contains a high dose of fluoride and catechins. Together they strengthen the teeth and fight bacteria. Fluoride can prevent cavities and keep teeth healthy.
- Drinking white tea keeps the bones strong. Research shows that white tea may also help with osteoporosis. White tea contains many healthy substances such as polyphenols and catechins that can reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
- Because it is packed with antioxidants, it is very good against skin aging. It helps to repair damaged skin cells faster.
- This tea is also good for heart health.
- White tea is very effective in weight loss, it supports a healthy lifestyle.
oolong
Oolong is a real Chinese tea. In the Western world, this species is actually still relatively unknown. Unjustified, because Oolong consists of a combination of black and green tea. This combination allows you to experience the health benefits of both teas. For example, it is packed with antioxidants that fight free radicals and it is a suitable tea for weight loss.
Research shows that oolong can reduce body fat because oolong increases metabolism. The substances caffeine and Epigallo Catechins (EGCG) present stimulate fat oxidation. In addition, Oolong increases satiety, so you are less hungry.
Pu Erh
Have you heard of Pu Erh tea? In recent years, this tea has become more popular in Europe. Pu-erh tea is named after a city in China's Yunnan region, and the variety of tea is still grown there.
Pu Erh has a long production process, the leaves are aged for several years. This long fermentation process ensures that the tea can even contain mold. During the process, the strain is exposed to a variety of bacteria and microflora that help to ferment the tea. This special process gives the tea unique medicinal properties.
Pu Erh tea health benefits
- Like Oolong, this tea is suitable for weight loss. Research has mainly been carried out in animals, but the effect in humans needs further investigation.
- Because it regulates blood sugar, this tea is also suitable for diabetes.
- This tea stimulates the metabolism of the liver, and therefore fats can be removed faster.
- It improves the functioning of your intestines and stimulates the immune system.
- In short: it is the ideal tea to support a healthy lifestyle!
Tea infusions
Herbal infusions are not actually tea, because they usually do not come from the tea plant, but from other plants and flowers. Of course there are also herbal infusions with a combination of real tea and herbs.
Whether you choose a pure infusion or a mixture of tea and herbs, they both have benefits for the body. Herbal infusions are prepared in the same way as real tea, by pouring hot water over them.
But which herbal tea is the best to drink? Each plant or herb has a certain medicinal effect:
- Infusions of ginger: This works very well against nausea and flu.
- Mint tea: Mint helps against flatulence, bloating or nausea.
- Chamomile Tea: Can't Sleep? A bag of chamomile helps against insomnia.
- Rooibos: This infusion is packed with iron, calcium, potassium, copper, zinc and magnesium. These substances make you feel energetic because the tea promotes the transport of oxygen in the veins.
- Lemon melissa: Do you have a stressful meeting or day? Then drink a cup of this infusion because it has a calming effect.
- Elderflower: this blossom has an anti-inflammatory effect. As a result, it is often used for colds, a dry cough, inflammation of the oral mucosa, sore throat and other annoying ailments. Excess mucus can be dissolved by elderflower.
- Lavender: This stimulates digestion and also helps with migraines and dizziness. It has a calming effect, ideal before going to sleep!
Conclusion: all tea is healthy
The different teas all come from the Camellia Sinensis, the super healthy tea plant. As a result, all teas are healthy, but the health benefits vary slightly depending on the type of tea. In addition to white, green and black tea, pure herbal infusions also have a medicinal effect.
The choice of the type of tea or infusion depends on your needs. Whether you are looking for a sleep tea, an infusion that is good for stress or want a tea that stimulates weight loss: the wonderful world of tea has a lot to offer.
Scientific sources
The effects of black tea on blood pressure: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/fullarticle/1108657
Caffeine and L-theanine in tea: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18254874
The Effects of Black Tea on Heart Disease: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16855537
Black tea lowers bad LDL cholesterol: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14519829
Fluoride in White Tea: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26647101
Antioxidants and Phenols in White and Green Tea: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20722909
Research: Applying white tea for UV protection: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/j.1600-0625.2008.00818.x
Catechins in the fight against osteoporosis: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15324350
White Tea for Weight Loss: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20142827
Oolong tea for obesity: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19271168
The Effects of Pu Erh on Obese Rats: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20641056
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